DALLAS and SINGAPORE – April 27, 2011 – One World Sports has acquired the North American rights to the OneAsia golf tour (OneAsia) in 2011, 2012 and 2013 under terms of an agreement with World Sport Group, the exclusive media and marketing partner of OneAsia. One World Sports will present all OneAsia tournaments exclusively in English on television, broadband and mobile.
Launched in 2009, OneAsia features the top golfers from Asia. It was founded by the Korea Golf Tour, the Korea Golf Association, the China Golf Association, and the PGA of Australia. Thirteen events will be held in 2011 with each featuring at least US$1 million prize money.
The 2011 OneAsia schedule began with the Indonesian PGA Championship on March 24 to March 27 and culminates at the Championships from December 8 to December 11. Here is a schedule of the events and championships:
The acquisition of the OneAsia golf follows One World Sports’ successful television coverage of the 2010 OneAsia tour. Each day’s action will be covered live, with one-hour highlights of each day’s action presented in the evening.
“OneAsia golf is an exciting addition to our multi-screen coverage of the top sports from Asia,” said Preston Bornman, President, One Media Corp, parent company of One World Sports. “Cable and satellite distributors want multiplatform sports offerings, and our approach to the OneAsia Tour allows Korean, Chinese and Australian viewers, as well as all golf sports enthusiasts, to never miss a stroke. OneAsia features Asia’s best golfers playing in fantastic locations that will provide all golfers and sports fans with new ideas about places to visit in Asia.”
"OneAsia is absolutely delighted to have One World Sports on board our TV platform once again this year," said Ben Sellenger, Chief Executive, OneAsia. "The channel's wide reach will provide our players with exposure across America which will assist in making them more relevant to the international golf market and to fans on the other side of the globe."
“Live coverage from Asia on TV, Broadband and Mobile devices is a strength that One World Sports demonstrated successfully earlier this year with the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011,” said Mark Hardess, President, ASEAN and Australia, World Sport Group. “We know that American sports fans want the flexibility to watch Asia’s top sports events live on any device anywhere, and One World Sports has proven its ability to deliver that convenience and choice.”
Live and delayed coverage will be available on One World Sports television and OneSportsPLUS.com Broadband. Mobile video coverage will be available on Verizon Wireless VCAST.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Birthday Joy For Westwood
With his 33rd career title, Westwood who celebrated his 38th birthday today, also regained his world number one ranking from Martin Kaymer after Luke Donald lost in a play-off in the United States later in the day. Donald would have topped the rankings for the first time with a victory at the Heritage Tournament which he led going into the last round.
“This will definitely be the most memorable birthday for me,” said the Englishman, who won US$118,875.
Westwood was forced to return to the clubhouse with one more hole to play as the fourth round at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club was suspended at 1.40pm due to lightning for approximately one hour and five minutes.
He returned to par the last hole to close with a solid three-under-par 69 for a 19-under-par 269 total to win the inaugural Asian Tour event by three strokes.
A fast charging Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand fired a flawless 65 to settle for second while Asian Tour newcomers Park Hyun-bin of Korea and Thitiphun Chuayprakong of Thailand shared third place with Bangladeshi Siddikur and Australian Marcus Both on 275.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Youth and Sport Minister Andi Alifian Mallarangeng were in attendance at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Westwood, who held a five-stroke lead going into the final day, was even-par for the day after nine holes which allowed the field to narrow the gap but sparked into life when he holed a difficult birdie putt on the 11th hole.
“Yeah, that was probably the hardest putt I had all day. It was 15 feet and had a three feet break on it. I birdied the next with two good shots and played solidly. I managed to pick up a few shots and birdied the 16 from four feet. I was quite comfortable after that,” said Westwood, Europe's number one in 2000 and 2009.
He said he had done everything he could do to regain the world number one ranking, which he held for 17 weeks before being replaced by Kaymer. “It was about coming here this week and trying to win the Indonesian Masters and I’ve done that. I’ve ticked every box this week so we will have to wait and see what happens.”
He predicted a bright future for the Indonesian Masters and said the tournament would attract more world class players to play alongside the Asian Tour’s best in the coming years.
“I think it has been very successful. It has a fantastic golf course in brilliant condition and you got a good field this week. No complaints at all. I’m sure there will be many more Indonesian Masters and the field will only get stronger,” added the Englishman.
Thongchai credited a red hot putter for his flawless round where he turned in 31 before adding two more birdies on his back nine to put the pressure on Westwood.
“It was a good round from me and I’m happy with how I played. I played my own game and focussed hole by hole and shot by shot. I played very solidly,” said the three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner.
He believes he is back to his best after suffering from a back injury in February. “I started very well with five birdies in the first nine and knew it would be a good day with my putter. I missed a couple of shots in the back nine which was disappointing. I feel that I’m getting back into form after my back injury,” said Thongchai.
Park, who was tied for the lead after nine holes, held his head high as he pushed Westwood to the brink before wobbling with three straight bogeys from the 15th hole to finish with 70.
“It was very disappointing. My putting was a real let down. It was the strong point in my game and I couldn’t keep it up when it mattered,” said the Korean, who is searching for his first career victory.
“It is still a good result for me and I hope to continue playing my best on the Asian Tour. Westwood is a very long hitter and after playing with him, I feel more confident. Maybe I’ll even win on the Asian Tour soon,” said the 24-year-old.
The Indonesian Masters is earmarked to become the country’s foremost golf championship, with plans to raise its prize fund and attract other international stars to Indonesia in the coming years.
Other sponsors of the Indonesian Masters include Four Seasons Hotel, Royale Jakarta Golf Club, PNTS, Garuda Indonesia, Mercedes-Benz, Coca Cola, San Miguel, Casillero del Diablo, Toshiba, Brava Radio and Yahoo! It also partnered Habitat for Humanity.
Leading fourth round scores
269 - Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 68-66-66-69.
272 - Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 67-70-70-65.
275 - Marcus BOTH (AUS) 70-70-69-66, SIDDIKUR (BAN) 66-72-69-68, Hyun-bin PARK (KOR) 67-68-70-70, Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 68-68-69-70.
277 - Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 69-68-71-69, Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 67-70-69-71.
280 - Darren BECK (AUS) 68-74-71-67, Inn-choon HWANG (KOR) 67-74-70-69, Rory HIE (INA) 68-74-69-69, Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) 72-65-73-70, Wen-tang LIN (TPE) 71-67-70-72, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 67-70-70-73, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 70-68-69-73.
281 - Sung LEE (KOR) 70-72-70-69, Miles TUNNICLIFF (ENG) 72-68-71-70.
282 - Angelo QUE (PHI) 71-72-68-71, Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 72-70-67-73.
Hie Homes In On Top-10 Finish
The local hero fired a four-under-par 68 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club on Saturday to end the third round in tied 15th place, some 11 shots behind leader Lee Westwood.
"I thought I could have gone to seven or eight under but overall it was a good solid round. My short and long game was good. My putting was much better after I changed putters. I made two important changes today, I switched putters and shaved!" smiled Hie, the only local player to make the halfway cut this week.
"To score you've got to be on your game and precise on this course because the greens are very demanding and undulating. There’s no room for error. You have to keep the ball below the hole all the time."
With the crowds firmly behind him, Hie gave them plenty to cheer about with another impressive performance.
He drew loud roars of approval with an opening birdie and was unlucky to not hole a few more chances.
"That was pretty exciting (birdie on the first hole). There was quite a loud cheer. It felt like I birdied the 18th hole. It was nice to have the home crowd supporting you. I could have made birdie on the second hole but missed a short putt. That has been the story of the week," he said.
"Winning seems to be out of the question with Lee (Westwood) doing so well. Basically I’m aiming for a top-10. I’ve learned from previous experiences that you got to play your own game even though this is a big tournament. You got to focus and I think that’s what happened to the other local professionals. I played in other local tournaments and there’s always a guy shooting five or eight-under. I think it is just a mental game."
Westwood Takes Five Shot Lead
Despite bogeying the last hole, the Englishman still held a commanding five-shot lead on 16-under-par 200 to put himself in prime position of celebrating his 38th birthday with a victory at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Westwood was the world number one for 17 weeks before being replaced by Martin Kaymer in February and is in the running of regaining the top spot if he wins this week and Luke Donald does not in the United States.
Asian Tour rookie Park Hyun-bin of Korea, who has only one bogey (second round) in his campaign so far, fired a 70 to share second place with another newcomer Thitiphun Chuayprakong of Thailand on a 205 total in the inaugural event.
Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng fired a 69, courtesy of an eagle three on the 12th hole to lie in fourth place while Bangladeshi Siddikur, Filipino Antonio Lascuna and Thai duo Prom Meesawat and Thongchai Jaidee are a stroke back.
Westwood, who returned Saturday morning to complete two holes of the second round where he took a one-shot lead, said reverting to the conventional putter from the belly putter worked wonders for him as he shot two hat-tricks of birdies from holes one and nine.
“It feels much better using the conventional putter because every decent putt seems to go in and that made me more comfortable. I’ve been in this position before and I’ll try not to get ahead of myself,” said the Englishman, who has won over 30 titles in his stellar career.
Westwood said he was focused on winning the Indonesian Masters. “I’m here to win a tournament. World rankings seem to take care of themselves,” added Westwood, Europe’s number one in 2000 and 2009.
Little known Thitiphun, who won an event in China last week, admitted to feeling nervous but regained confidence when he sank a huge 18 feet birdie putt on the second hole.
“I kept to my game plan of not being too greedy. You can’t get birdies all the time. My putting has been excellent this week and that has been pulling my game up,” said the 18-year-old.
The ever smiling Thai, who earned his Asian Tour card at Qualifying School in Thailand earlier this year, was relishing the opportunity of playing with Westwood in the final round.
“You won’t get many opportunities of playing with one of the world’s best golfer. I’m really looking forward to it. It won’t be easy to win though because I think I’ll be very nervous,” added the Thai.
Park saved numerous pars in a round of two birdies and was delighted with his putting and accurate iron play.
“My putting has been very solid. I managed to save many pars. I wished I could make more birdies but overall, I’m happy with what I shot,” said the 24-year-old.
Ticket sales for the Indonesian Masters are available at www.ibudibjo.com where all proceeds will go towards Habitat for Humanity, which the event is partnering. The non-profit organisation builds homes for the underprivileged in Indonesia.
The Indonesian Masters is earmarked to become the country’s foremost golf championship, with plans to raise its prize fund and attract other international stars to Indonesia in the coming years.
Other sponsors of the Indonesian Masters include Four Seasons Hotel, Royale Jakarta Golf Club, PNTS, Garuda Indonesia, Mercedes-Benz, Coca Cola, San Miguel, Casillero del Diablo, Toshiba, Brava Radio and Yahoo!
All the latest news from the Indonesian Masters is also available on www.indonesianmasters.com. The Indonesian Masters will be broadcast “live” over four rounds to over 130 countries worldwide, reaching over 400 million homes via the Asian Tour’s television platform.
Leading third round scores
200 - Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 68-66-66.
205 - Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 68-68-69, Hyun-bin PARK (KOR) 67-68-70.
206 - Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 67-70-69.
207 - SIDDIKUR (BAN) 66-72-69, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 70-68-69, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 67-70-70, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 67-70-70.
208 - Wen-tang LIN (TPE) 71-67-70, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 69-68-71.
209 - Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 72-70-67, Marcus BOTH (AUS) 70-70-69.
210 - Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) 72-65-73, Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 68-67-75.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Westwood In Charge
The Englishman, who returned this morning to finish two holes, posted a six-under-par 66 in a round of eight birdies against two bogeys at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
His two-day total of 10-under-par 134 was a shot better than little known Shaaban Hussin of Malaysia and Korean Park Hyun-bin in the inaugural US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
Thailand’s Thitiphun Chuayprakong fired a 68 to sit in fourth place on 136.
Pariya Junhasavasdikul, who shot the best round of the week so far with a superb 65, was a stroke back with compatriots Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Prayad Marksaeng and Thongchai Jaidee. Englishman Simon Griffiths and Filipino Antonio Lascuna were also tied in fifth place.
Round two was suspended on Friday due to lightning and resumed Saturday morning at 6.30am where a total of 47 players returned to complete their round.
Westwood reverted to the conventional putter from the belly putter which worked wonders for him as he birdied his opening four holes before making the turn in 32.
He added a birdie and bogey on holes 12 and 13 and was on the charge with another birdie on 16 before play was suspended yesterday.
He returned this morning with a par, birdie finish to give himself a fighting chance of winning the Indonesian Masters and regaining the world number one position from Martin Kaymer if Luke Donald does not win in the United States.
“I had an early start this morning and wanted to get going. I finished off nicely. I had a tricky lie on 17 after hitting it in the rough last night and got it on the green and two putted for par. I played some nice shots on the last and hit my approach to four feet which I sank for birdie,” said Westwood, who will celebrate his 38th birthday this Sunday.
“I wasn’t happy with my belly putter in the first round. I putted really poorly and still shot a 68 so that was a positive. But I decided to go back to the short putter and I have a bit of faith in it. I had 26 putts and if you do well from tee to green, you are going to shoot a good score,” added the Englishman.
The halfway cut was set at two-over-par 146 with a total of 68 players making the cut.
Ticket sales for the Indonesian Masters are available at www.ibudibjo.com where all proceeds will go towards Habitat for Humanity, which the event is partnering. The non-profit organisation builds homes for the underprivileged in Indonesia.
The Indonesian Masters is earmarked to become the country’s foremost golf championship, with plans to raise its prize fund and attract other international stars to Indonesia in the coming years.
Other sponsors of the Indonesian Masters include Four Seasons Hotel, Royale Jakarta Golf Club, PNTS, Garuda Indonesia, Mercedes-Benz, Coca Cola, San Miguel, Casillero del Diablo, Toshiba, Brava Radio and Yahoo!
All the latest news from the Indonesian Masters is also available on www.indonesianmasters.com. The Indonesian Masters will be broadcast “live” over four rounds to over 130 countries worldwide, reaching over 400 million homes via the Asian Tour’s television platform.
Leading second round scores
134 - Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 68-66.
135 - Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 68-67, Hyun-bin PARK (KOR) 67-68.
136 - Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 68-68.
137 - Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) 72-65, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 69-68, Simon GRIFFITHS (ENG) 69-68, Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 67-70, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 67-70, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 67-70.
138 - Wen-tang LIN (TPE) 71-67, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 70-68, SIDDIKUR (BAN) 66-72.
140 - Miles TUNNICLIFF (ENG) 72-68, Marcus BOTH (AUS) 70-70, Scott BARR (AUS) 73-67, Joong-kyung MO (KOR) 68-72, Peter GUSTAFSSON (SWE) 69-71.
141 - Jason KNUTZON (USA) 70-71, Chih Bing LAM (SIN) 67-74, Inn-choon HWANG (KOR) 67-74, Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) 70-71.
Surprise Leaders Steal Thunder
The world number two was nine-under in the US$750,000 and will have to return at 6.30am local time on Saturday to finish his remaining two holes at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Shaaban of Malaysia and Korean Park fired a 67 and 68 respectively to take the clubhouse lead on nine-under-par 135 in the inaugural US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
Thitiphun Chuayprakong of Thailand shot a 68 to lie in third position on 136 while countrymen Pariya Junhasavasdikul, who shot the best round of the week so far with a superb 65, was a stroke back with compatriot Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Englishman Simon Griffiths.
Round two was suspended due to lightning threat at 4.25pm local time and will resume at 6.30am on Saturday. A total of 47 players have yet to complete their rounds.
Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee was on eight-under through 16 holes before play was suspended. His playing partner and overnight leader Siddikur struggled to emulate yesterday’s solid round as he was five-under.
Westwood, who reverted to the conventional putter from the belly putter today, birdied his opening four holes before making the turn in 32. He added a birdie and bogey on holes 12 and 13 respectively and was on the charge with another birdie on 16 before play was suspended.
“Obviously I’m disappointed because I had two more holes to play. I’m still in contention and have to see how things go in the next two days,” said Westwood.
He has the opportunity to regain the world number one position this week if he wins and if Luke Donald does not in the United States.
Shaaban, a former Malaysian amateur number one, didn’t hit a single par in his first nine. He got off to a bogey start but rallied with four straight birdies before adding two birdies against as many bogeys.
He returned with a blemish free back nine highlighted by a monster 20 feet birdie putt on 12 before sinking a crucial birdie on the last from seven feet for a 67. His total of 135 equalled his best two-day score at the 2009 Brunei Open.
“I had a bogey on my first hole and I never gave up from there. I tried to come back from that blemish and returned with four straight birdies. After the turn, I wanted to focus more and finished strongly which I did,” said the 30-year-old.
He earned his Asian Tour card in 2010 but struggled with consistency where he only posted one top-10 in Cambodia. He is hoping to make amends this week and celebrate the arrival of his son with a victory.
“I need to maintain my rhythm like how I did today. Everything clicked for me and I’m happy with that. I’ve more reason to celebrate because I welcomed a new son two weeks ago. I’m looking forward to the next two days,” added Shaaban.
Asian Tour rookie Park earned his card at Qualifying School in Thailand earlier this year when he finished in tied 33rd place. He started with nine consecutive pars before bursting into life with birdies on the last three holes.
He admitted that he was lucky with his birdie on the 17th hole after his superb approach shot landed 10 feet from the hole.
“I couldn’t read the greens on the front nine and got a bit lucky on the back. The wind was blowing very strongly on the 17th hole and I thought my approach would land far from the hole. I was very lucky it didn’t!” said the 24-year-old.
Park turned professional five years ago and decided to play on the Asian Tour to elevate his career.
“I like the way the Asian Tour is run and I’m enjoying myself here. I’m also used to the weather because I always practice in Thailand during the winter season in Korea,” said Park, who is looking for his first career victory.
Licensed pilot Pariya bounced back from his opening round 72 with a brilliant 65 highlighted by an eagle where he holed out from 90 feet on the par five 12th hole.
He won his maiden title last year and finished in 12th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Despite making all four cuts this year, Pariya has not managed to play his way in contention until this week.
“I haven’t been posting any threats to the leaderboard in my last four tournaments so coming down here to put myself in contention is really good to see. This is a boost of confidence for me,” said Pariya.
Ticket sales for the Indonesian Masters are available at www.ibudibjo.com where all proceeds will go towards Habitat for Humanity, which the event is partnering. The non-profit organisation builds homes for the underprivileged in Indonesia.
The Indonesian Masters is earmarked to become the country’s foremost golf championship, with plans to raise its prize fund and attract other international stars to Indonesia in the coming years.
Other sponsors of the Indonesian Masters include Four Seasons Hotel, Royale Jakarta Golf Club, PNTS, Garuda Indonesia, Mercedes-Benz, Coca Cola, San Miguel, Casillero del Diablo, Toshiba, Brava Radio and Yahoo!
All the latest news from the Indonesian Masters is also available on www.indonesianmasters.com. The Indonesian Masters will be broadcast “live” over four rounds to over 130 countries worldwide, reaching over 400 million homes via the Asian Tour’s television platform.
Leading second round scores
135 - Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 68-67, Hyun-bin PARK (KOR) 67-68.
136 - Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 68-68.
137 - Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) 72-65, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 69-68, Simon GRIFFITHS (ENG) 69-68.
138 - LIN Wen-tang (TPE) 71-67, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 70-68.
140 - Miles TUNNICLIFF (ENG) 72-68, Marcus BOTH (AUS) 70-70, Scott BARR (AUS) 73-67.
141 - Jason KNUTZON (USA) 70-71.
142 - Adam GROOM (AUS) 75-67, Tim STEWART (AUS) 70-72, Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 72-70, Atthaphon PRATHUMMANEE (THA) 73-69, Rory HIE (INA) 68-74.
Eagle Lifts Pariya Into Title Hunt
The Thai rising star holed out from 90 feet on the 12th hole of the magnificent Royale Jakarta Golf Club and then saved par two holes later with a chip in as his two-day total of seven-under-par 137 left him just two shots back of clubhouse leaders Shaaban Hussin of Malaysia and Park Hyun-bin of Korea.
After a breakthrough season last year where he won his maiden title and finished 12th on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit, much was expected from the 26-year-old in 2011. But while he has made all four cuts this year, Pariya has not managed to play his way into contention until this week’s US$750,000 showpiece in Jakarta.
“I’m very happy wit the result. My ball striking has been really good but my putting is not cooperating at all. I think I only had two birdies from inside 20 feet, the others were from inside 10 feet,” said Pariya.
“I holed out an eagle from the very front of the green from about 90 feet away. I chipped in for par on hole 14 and made a long putt on hole one from off the green for birdie. It was a pretty lucky day. When you shoot seven-under, I’m not going to really complain about it.”
The business management graduate from Purdue University, who is also a licensed pilot, was delighted to feature on the leaderboard in Indonesia’s newest professional golf tournament.
“Nothing was different. I just had more luck. I haven’t been posting any threat to the leaderboards in my last three tournaments so coming down here to put myself in contention is really good to see. This is a boost of confidence for me.”
Countryman Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who won the SAIL Open in India last month, kept himself in prime position to strike heading into the weekend rounds after adding a 68 to his opening 69.
After missing the halfway cut in the Maybank Malaysian Open last week, the burly Thai was determined to challenge this week, especially at Royale Jakarta which seems to suit his big-hitting game.
“It was an okay round for me. I’m having a lot of confidence after my win at the SAIL Open. I had a minor setback at last week’s Maybank Malaysian Open where I couldn’t focus (in the heat) but I feel that I’m at my best now. It was nice to birdie the closing two holes (eighth and ninth) to put myself in a good position,” said the former world junior champion.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sjaichudin Named Big Ten Co-Golfer Of The Week
PARK RIDGE, Ill., April 20, 2011 - Days after capturing his third individual medal in as many outings, Purdue junior William Sjaichudin was named Big Ten Co-Golfer of the Week on Wednesday in an announcement by the league office.
The Jakarta, Indonesia, native shot 73-70=143 (-1) at Stone Creek Golf Club to win the Illini Spring Classic by a stroke. The award, which he shared with Iowa's Vince India, was Sjaichudin's third of the season.
In addition to being his third collegiate victory, the performance was also just Sjaichudin's fourth top-five finish in a collegiate event.
He will head into this weekend's Boilermaker Invitational at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex having posted a score at par or better in six of his last seven competitive rounds.
The 54-hole Boilermaker Invitational will get under way at 9 a.m. ET with shotgun starts on both Saturday and Sunday. There is no admission fee for the tournament, and the public is welcome to attend.
The Jakarta, Indonesia, native shot 73-70=143 (-1) at Stone Creek Golf Club to win the Illini Spring Classic by a stroke. The award, which he shared with Iowa's Vince India, was Sjaichudin's third of the season.
In addition to being his third collegiate victory, the performance was also just Sjaichudin's fourth top-five finish in a collegiate event.
He will head into this weekend's Boilermaker Invitational at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex having posted a score at par or better in six of his last seven competitive rounds.
The 54-hole Boilermaker Invitational will get under way at 9 a.m. ET with shotgun starts on both Saturday and Sunday. There is no admission fee for the tournament, and the public is welcome to attend.
Siddikur Outshines Westwood
The man from Bangladesh fired two superb chip-ins in ideal scoring conditions to hold a one stroke lead from the chasing pack at Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee with compatriot Prayad Marksaeng posted solid 67s to share second place with Singaporean Lam Chih Bing, Filipino Antonio Lascuna and Koreans Park Hyun-bin and Hwang Inn-choon in the US$750,000 showpiece.
Englishman Westwood, the hot favourite to win this week, was among seven players tied in eighth place on identical 68s. If he wins this week and Luke Donald does not in the United States, Westwood will regain his world number one spot from Martin Kaymer.
The Bangladeshi, who started from the 10th tee, said he was lucky to take the lead after holing out from 15 and 30 feet on holes 10 and two respectively.
“I was hitting and putting very well and it has been like this for a few weeks now. I’m getting more confidence every week and that’s why I’ve been playing so well,” said the 2010 Brunei Open winner.
Siddikur has come a long way since his days as a caddy at the Kurmitola Golf Club in Bangladesh where his first club was a broken seven iron head stuck on a metal rod.
He is the first Bangladeshi to play and win on the Asian Tour and has continued to shine with commendable performances. He finished in eighth place at the Maybank Malaysian Open last week and was placed second at the SAIL Open in India last month, losing only by one stroke to Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand.
Despite his success in Asia, Siddikur admitted he was feeling nervous playing with world number two Westwood.
“I saw the draw yesterday and was feeling a bit excited playing with one of the best players in the world. I have to admit I felt a bit shaky this morning playing with him,” he said.
Thongchai, a three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, who played with Siddikur and Westwood turned in 30 highlighted by an eagle three on the 12th hole.
He was firmly in the lead before dropping a costly double bogey on the first hole.
“I was distracted by a camera and lost concentration from there on. I missed a lot of good putts on the back nine but made birdie on the last to put myself near the leader,” said the decorated Thai, who found 15 greens today.
Lam was six-under through 12 holes but wobbled in his closing holes with one birdie against two bogeys.
“I haven’t been playing that great this year but got off to a good start by hitting my shots close to the hole. That got me going and I started making a few putts. It seems like things aren’t clicking in my game but I feel that I’m pretty close to returning to my best,” said Lam, who has won once on the Asian Tour.
Westwood is determined of focusing on the Indonesian Masters and is unperturbed by the fact that he has a chance of regaining the world number one spot this week.
“I’ll let things take its course and see what happens at the end of the week. Like I said before, I’m here to win a golf tournament,” said Westwood, Europe’s number one in 2000 and 2009.
He struggled to get his putter on fire early in the round but birdied his closing two holes to put himself two strokes from the lead.
“I played solidly but I was a bit frustrated out there. It has been the story for me so far, hitting it great from tee to green and giving myself a lot of chances but not taking it,” added the Englishman.
Ticket sales for the Indonesian Masters are available at www.ibudibjo.com where all proceeds will go towards Habitat for Humanity, which the event is partnering. The non-profit organisation builds homes for the underprivileged in Indonesia.
The Indonesian Masters is earmarked to become the country’s foremost golf championship, with plans to raise its prize fund and attract other international stars to Indonesia in the coming years.
Other sponsors of the Indonesian Masters include Four Seasons Hotel, Royale Jakarta Golf Club, PNTS, Garuda Indonesia, Mercedes-Benz, Coca Cola, San Miguel, Casillero del Diablo, Toshiba, Brava Radio and Yahoo!
All the latest news from the Indonesian Masters is also available on www.indonesianmasters.com. The Indonesian Masters will be broadcast “live” over four rounds to over 130 countries worldwide, reaching over 400 million homes via the Asian Tour’s television platform.
Leading first round scores
66 - SIDDIKUR (BAN).
67 - PARK Hyun-bin (KOR), LAM Chih Bing (SIN), Antonio LASCUNA (PHI), Prayad MARKSAENG (THA), HWANG Inn-choon (KOR), Thongchai JAIDEE (THA).
68 - Rory HIE (INA), Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA), Ben LEONG (MAS), Lee WESTWOOD (ENG), Darren BECK (AUS), MO Joong-kyung (KOR), Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS).
69 - Simon GRIFFITHS (ENG), Iain STEEL (MAS), Peter GUSTAFSSON (SWE), Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA).
70 - Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA), LEE Sung (KOR), Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA), Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA), Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA), HSU Mong-nan (TPE), Varut CHOMCHALAM (THA), Tim STEWART (AUS), Marcus BOTH (AUS), Prom MEESAWAT (THA), Jason KNUTZON (USA), Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA), Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA).
Hie Provides Early Home Cheers
Rory Hie, Indonesia’s great hope, posted a solid four-under-par 68 at Royale Jakarta Golf Club in the opening round of the US$750,000 Asian Tour event and put himself in touch with opening round leader Siddikur of Bangladesh, who set the early pace with a superb 66.
The 22-year-old knocked in five birdies against a lone bogey to raise hopes of a maiden victory on the Asian Tour.
Hie was delighted with his effort. “It was a really good round. I hit the ball really good,” said the young Indonesian, who hit 15 greens in regulation.
“All in all it was really good. I hit a lot of fairways and greens. I could have made a lot more putts and gone to seven or eight under. I will go work on my putting later. Hopefully I can come back stronger tomorrow.
“I had an eagle putt on the 12th hole from 12 feet but didn’t make it. It was still okay because I still had a birdie.”
The benefits of enjoying numerous practice rounds at the impeccable Royale Jakarta paid off nicely for Hie as he rarely looked in trouble of dropping shots, despite a lone blemish on the par three 15th hole.
Last season’s swing changes seem to be paying off as well for Hie with the Indonesian talent showing greater composure on the fairways as well while competing alongside Asia’s elite.
“I didn’t have a number in mind. I just tried to play the best that I can. Honestly, I don’t have any expectations at all and I hope to keep my mind clear and focus,” said Hie.
“I’m hitting it really solid and I need to maintain that. My preparations have been good. I’ve played pretty well for about four months now so I’m happy with my game now.”
If his namesake Rory McIlroy finished third at the Maybank Malaysian Open last weekend, Rory Hie would certainly be keen to match that performance, if not better it by a couple of notches in front of his home fans.
Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng credited his accurate iron shots after making birdies in his closing two holes for a 67 to remain one back from the leader.
“My irons shots were really good. I struggled a bit with my driver but overall I’m quite happy with my game. I played last week and it was very hot and tiring. I have to admit that I’m still feeling a bit tired.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Westwood Plans Birthday Bash
The Englishman will celebrate his birthday on Sunday, April 24th, which will also be the final round of the inaugural US$750,000 showpiece staged at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
“It will be nice to win because my birthday is on Sunday but it will be difficult as there are a lot of strong players out here in Asia and you have to play well to win,” said Westwood.
The former world number one will headline a stellar field of Asian Tour stars with three-time Order of Merit champion Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, Gaganjeet Bhullar of India and Siddikur of Bangladesh.
Westwood has won over 30 international titles with victories in Malaysia, Macau and Japan and he will be looking of extending his stellar record with a win in Indonesia this week.
“It has been quite a while since I played in Indonesia. This is a big tournament in Asia. I like to play all over the world and consider myself a global player. I’m playing in Korea next week so it is good to start my Asian campaign this week. I like to play everywhere in the world if I can,” said Westwood, who was crowned Europe’s number one in 2000 and 2009.
He played nine holes with 16-year-old whiz kid Miguel Tabuena on Tuesday and tipped his hat to the young Filipino, who he predicts has a bright future ahead.
“I enjoyed playing with Miguel. We went out to play nine holes and he looks to be a very good player. I also played with Rory (Hie) and they are both young men with a lot of talent.”
When asked if they were the future of Asian golf, Westwood replied, “You have to think so but I don’t like to put too much of pressure on the lads. They should go out there and enjoy themselves. They got enough talent to be around for a few years.”
Returning from a back injury, decorated Thai star Thongchai, 41, hopes to draw inspiration from his victory in Indonesia in 2009.
“I won in Indonesia before and I’m feeling confident. There is quite a strong field here. We have Lee Westwood and all good Asian Tour players but if I putt well, I think I have a good chance of winning,” said Thongchai.
Thongchai, who will be paired with Westwood and Siddikur in the first and second rounds, believes putting will be the key to victory this week.
“This is a new event in Indonesia and I decided to play here to support the Asian Tour. There are a lot of young talents here which is exciting for golf in Asia. Anyone can win this week and putting will be very important because the greens are tricky,” said the Thai, who has won an unprecedented 13 Asian Tour titles.
Hie, who will lead the local challenge this week, echoed the sentiments of Thongchai.
“The key here is getting to know the greens. The fairways are wide so this week will be a putting competition,” said Hie, the first Indonesian to earn an Asian Tour card in 2009.
He had the opportunity to play a nine-hole practice round with Westwood on Tuesday and hopes to put the experience to good use this week.
“There are a lot of really good players but I’m pretty excited to see how my game compares to these legends. It was nice seeing how Westwood hits the ball and practice. It was a good learning experience for me and if I play my best, I think I will finish in the top-10,” said Hie.
Ticket sales for the Indonesian Masters are available at www.ibudibjo.com where all proceeds will go towards Habitat for Humanity, which the event is partnering. The non-profit organisation builds homes for the underprivileged in Indonesia.
The Indonesian Masters is earmarked to become the country’s foremost golf championship, with plans to raise its prize fund and attract other international stars to Indonesia in the coming years.
Other sponsors of the Indonesian Masters include Four Seasons Hotel, Royale Jakarta Golf Club, PNTS, Garuda Indonesia, Mercedes-Benz, Coca Cola, San Miguel, Casillero del Diablo, Toshiba, Brava Radio and Yahoo!
All the latest news from the Indonesian Masters is also available on www.indonesianmasters.com. The Indonesian Masters will be broadcast “live” over four rounds to over 130 countries worldwide, reaching over 400 million homes via the Asian Tour’s television platform.
Tour Stars And Westwood Lead Charity Drive
The Indonesian Masters Gala Charity Dinner was held on Tuesday night through the event’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organisation which helps raise funds to build homes for the poor in the country.
Thai duo Thongchai Jaidee and Chapchai Nirat and Gaganjeet Bhullar of India were in attendance with Englishman Westwood at the Four Seasons Hotel where approximately US$22,400 were raised through auctions and direct donations.
A golf clinic with Westwood was sold for US$7,000 (60 million rupiah) while a signed putter from Thongchai, autographed shirt from Westwood and a chance to have a photo with the duo and Chapchai went for US$2,900 (25 million rupiah).
Formed in 1997, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has housed approximately 30,000 families in the country through various activities and sponsorship drives to raise funds for the needy.
Habitat for Humanity are present in over 100 countries worldwide and in more than 20 countries in the Asia Pacific region such as Thailand, Philippines, India, China, Cambodia and Indonesia.
Jimmy Masrin, the chairman for Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, was delighted to tie-up with the Indonesian Masters.
“It costs US$2,500 to build a proper home for a family and I’m sincerely grateful to the Indonesian Masters and the Asian Tour for this opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity as it will help us raise funds even further,” said Masrin.
“It has always been a dream of mine that, through golf, we can still somehow give back to the country,” he added.
Kyi Hla Han, the Asian Tour Executive Chairman said it was the Tour’s social commitment to actively participate in improving the lives of the less fortunate in Asia.
“The Asian Tour and our players will lend our fullest support through the Indonesian Masters and help Habitat for Humanity Indonesia with their mission and objectives,” said Han.
Vikram Reddy, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel, the official hotel for the Indonesian Masters saluted the efforts to raise funds for the needy in the country.
“It is our honour to host the Indonesian Masters Gala Charity Dinner. It is part of our objective to help with the initiative of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and through last night’s charity drive we hope more lives will be changed for the better,” said Reddy.
Westwood, who will headline the Indonesian Masters at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club on Thursday said he was excited to return to Indonesia.
“I’m looking forward to playing in the Indonesian Masters this week. It has been quite a while since I played in Indonesia. This is a big tournament in Asia. I’m very excited looking ahead of this week,” said Westwood.
Masterstrokes Needed In Indonesia
The Englishman will headline the inaugural Asian Tour event at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club this week, but has never played a competitive round on the course.
Westwood was unable to end his majors duck last week at the Augusta Masters and experienced a frustrating time with the putter. Given his lofty position in golf's world rankings he remains an odds on favourite to win at least one Masters title this year - this week's Indonesian Masters to be exact. He may even want to catch up for a round of golf with someone who has actually actually played the Royale Jakarta course before to boost his chances. Someone like Indonesia's rising star Rory Hie.
"Players can expect a championship style layout with beautiful surroundings which includes stonewalls and water fountains," Hie told ESPNSTAR.com
The 22-year-old revealed some of the dangers players need to be aware of before deciding to tackle the exclusive Jakarta course.
"The wind can be quite tricky as it usually blows in the afternoon," Hie said.
"Players may find the greens difficult to putt on due to the swells and undulations which is a part of every green here [at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club]."
In fact, there are several holes players need to pay special attention to. The par-four, fifth hole (West Course) is long and players would do well not to bogey there.
"Players can hit up to two irons depending on the wind. Furthermore the green does not hold shots very well, you can expect players off the green with their second shots to be a regularity," Hie said.
The par-five 18th hole can also pose a problem for players who struggle to hit with distance.
"18th is a long par-five reachable only by the longest of hitters. It poses a risk and reward lay up over water about 120 yards out. Players can make anywhere from a bogey to an eagle here," Hie said.
Hie turned pro in 2008 - he was the sixth ranked amateur in the world on August of that year - and has won three professional events.
Baek Eyes Title Charge
Baek will be among the new generation of young guns vying for honours this week as he aims to upstage world number two Lee Westwood of England at the majestic Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
He will be joined by three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-tang, a five-time Asian Tour winner and decorated Indian star Jyoti Randhawa in the inaugural US$750,000 showpiece.
Baek’s career was skyrocketed by an impressive season last year when he was in contention in the Indian Open before settling for second place. He made three cuts in four attempts earlier this season and sparkled when he placed tied 17th in last week’s Maybank Malaysian Open.
Baek is hopeful for a good result this week despite the presence of former world number one Westwood.
“I’ve been practising a lot to play well in big tournaments such as this one. I know that if I get a good start in the big events, I can win enough money and hold on to my Asian Tour Card which is one of my goals this season,” said the 20-year-old.
Baek is eager to join newest Asian Tour champions Kiradech Aphibarnrat, winner of the SAIL Open in India and Anirban Lahiri, who won the Panasonic Open (India) in the illustrious winners’ circle.
“I believe that I’ve improved a lot and I’m feeling more confident after last week’s result. Pariya, who is a friend of mine won last year and Kiradech did it this year. It shows that young players can win out here and I’m hoping I can as well,” added the Korean, who has been based in Thailand for the past four years.
Chinese Taipei’s Lin hopes to get back into the groove of playing competitively as he played in his first Asian Tour event of the year last week.
“Before the Malaysian Open, I was on a four-month break. Believe or not, I felt a bit nervous playing in my first event after such a long break but I’m feeling better now and ready to challenge for honours,” said Lin.
He is determined to bury his demons this week after coming close to winning in Indonesia in 2008.
“I was joint leader at the Indonesia President Invitational two years ago but one bad shot on the final day dashed my chances of winning. I enjoy playing here and I’m confident of playing well,” said the 36-year-old.
Australia’s Darren Beck, winner of the 2009 Brunei Open knows he needs to get his putter on fire if he wants to contend this week.
“My hitting has been good but I just couldn’t hole enough putts. I putted quite well last week (Maybank Malaysian Open) and hopefully I can continue holing some putts this week as well,” said Beck, who finished in tied 16th place at the Avantha Masters in India in February.
Ticket sales for the Indonesian Masters are available at www.ibudibjo.com where all proceeds will go towards Habitat for Humanity, which the event is partnering. The non-profit organisation builds homes for the underprivileged in Indonesia.
The Indonesian Masters is earmarked to become the country’s foremost golf championship, with plans to raise its prize fund and attract other international stars to Indonesia in the coming years.
Other sponsors of the Indonesian Masters include Four Seasons Hotel, Royale Jakarta Golf Club, PNTS, Garuda Indonesia, Mercedes-Benz, Coca Cola, San Miguel, Casillero del Diablo, Toshiba, Brava Radio and Yahoo!
All the latest news from the Indonesian Masters is also available on www.indonesianmasters.com. The Indonesian Masters will be broadcast “live” over four rounds to over 130 countries worldwide, reaching over 400 million homes via the Asian Tour’s television platform.
Faldo Series Asia Set For Season Opener In The Philippines
The search for the next Faldo Series Asia champion will begin at TAT Filipinas Golf Club in San Pedro when the Faldo Series Philippines Championship gets the new season underway on May 9-11.
Aristeo Mata will be one of several top young golfers looking to impress in the third edition of the Philippines Championship. Earlier this year, the 15 year-old from Cebu City was his nation’s top performer at the 2010/2011 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills Golf Club in China with a 12 over par total of 228 for a top 20 finish.
Open to golfers from across Asia, more than 60 boys and girls aged 12 to 21 will compete in the 54-hole Philippines Championship at TAT Filipinas Golf in Club in Laguna near Manila. Five age-group winners – three boys and two girls – will qualify for the sixth Grand Final, to be hosted by six-time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo at Mission Hills, Shenzhen in March 2012.
Starting in The Philippines, the 2011/2012 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 18 tournaments in 14 different countries including five in mainland China plus others in Vietnam, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand.
Established in 1996, 35 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 25 countries worldwide with over 5,000 golfers participating each year. Former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all winners on Tour.
The Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, official golf wear partner UFL and official suppliers TaylorMade and Tricor. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
Golfers wishing to enter the Faldo Series Philippines Championship at TAT Filipinas Golf Club in San Pedro on May 9-11 should visit www.jgfp.org or email jungolf1976@yahoo.com.
For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.
Aristeo Mata will be one of several top young golfers looking to impress in the third edition of the Philippines Championship. Earlier this year, the 15 year-old from Cebu City was his nation’s top performer at the 2010/2011 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills Golf Club in China with a 12 over par total of 228 for a top 20 finish.
Open to golfers from across Asia, more than 60 boys and girls aged 12 to 21 will compete in the 54-hole Philippines Championship at TAT Filipinas Golf in Club in Laguna near Manila. Five age-group winners – three boys and two girls – will qualify for the sixth Grand Final, to be hosted by six-time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo at Mission Hills, Shenzhen in March 2012.
Starting in The Philippines, the 2011/2012 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 18 tournaments in 14 different countries including five in mainland China plus others in Vietnam, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand.
Established in 1996, 35 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 25 countries worldwide with over 5,000 golfers participating each year. Former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all winners on Tour.
The Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, official golf wear partner UFL and official suppliers TaylorMade and Tricor. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
Golfers wishing to enter the Faldo Series Philippines Championship at TAT Filipinas Golf Club in San Pedro on May 9-11 should visit www.jgfp.org or email jungolf1976@yahoo.com.
For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Strong Local Line-Up Primed For Indonesian Masters
Asian Tour stalwart Rory Hie will spearhead the home challenge in the US$750,000 event from April 21-24, 2011 at the prestigious Royale Jakarta Golf Club alongside the nation’s rising stars, Andik Mauludin and Benny Kasiadi.
Four local amateurs will also enjoy the opportunity to compete in the Asian Tour’s newest tournament, which is positioned as Indonesia’s most prestigious golf tournament.
Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour said: “The Indonesian Masters will present a great opportunity for Indonesia’s top players to compete against our finest stars such as Thongchai Jaidee, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Chapchai Nirat. “I believe the experience gained at the Indonesian Masters will be extremely beneficial to the Indonesian players as there is a lot of good talent in the country.”
Hie, who has competed on the Asian Tour over the past few seasons, said: “We have a lot of sponsors who are more interested in sponsoring golf tournaments now and this bodes well with the game in Indonesia. To have the world number two golfer play here is exceptional for the young players as well as the fans.”
Other Indonesian aspirants in the field include Burhan Bora, Ilyassyak, I. Nengah Dharma, Maan Nasim, Indra Hermawan, Hardjito, Asep Caprie, Effendi K, Hamzah Rachmadi, Junaidi Ibrahim, Sanusi, Sarmilih, A. Suganda, Hermen Tabusalla, Hendry Nasim, Johannes Dermawan, A. Aziz Hartanto.
With a week to go to the Indonesian Masters, the Royale Jakarta course is also getting itself in prime condition for its biggest professional golf tournament. The Royale Jakarta, located 15 minutes from Central of Jakarta, is designed by Bob Moore Jr. and JMP Group.
“The golf course preparation has been running smoothly over the past few months and we are ready to host the Indonesian Masters. It will be a fantastic week of golf and we expect the players to enjoy the challenge at Royale Jakarta,” said Royale Jakarta Golf Club Chief Operating Officer, George Chandra.
Ticket sales for the Indonesian Masters are available at www.ibudibjo.com where all proceeds will go towards Habitat for Humanity, which the event is partnering. The non-profit organisation builds homes for the underprivileged in Indonesia.
The Indonesian Masters is earmarked to become the country’s foremost golf championship, with plans to raise its prize fund and attract other international stars to Indonesia in the coming years.
Sponsors of the Indonesian Masters include Four Seasons Hotel, Royale Jakarta Golf Club, PNTS, Garuda Indonesia and Mercedes-Benz.
All the latest news from the Indonesian Masters is also available on www.indonesianmasters.com. The Indonesian Masters will be broadcast “live” over four rounds to over 130 countries worldwide, reaching over 400 million homes via the Asian Tour’s television platform.
Local Golfers Look To Shine At Home
Jakarta Globe, 13 April 2011 - Most of the attention will be focused on Lee Westwood when the world No. 2 plays in next week’s Indonesian Masters.
But Rory Hie and his fellow Indonesian golfers are determined to grab a share of the spotlight.
The Indonesian Masters has created a buzz since Westwood confirmed he was competing at the Asian Tour event to be held at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club starting next Thursday.
Local players have generated much less hype than the visiting British golfer, but the Indonesian Professional Golfing Association (PGPI) said local talents remained the focus of the event.
“The PGPI will field 20 of the country’s top golfers at the Indonesian Masters, and I hope all of them will make the cut,” PGPI chairman Syafei Asnaf said on Wednesday.
“I hope there will be a local hero who will make it into the last round and contend for the championship.”
Rory became one such hero last month, when he came close to winning the Indonesia PGA Championship. The 22-year-old lost by one shot to Australian Andre Stolz. But Rory said he didn’t see the need to change his game.
“I will try to play in the Indonesian Masters with the same approach I took at the Indonesia PGA Championship,” he said.
Rory said his familiarity with the Royale Jakarta Golf Club should give him an edge.
“I find the greens to be quite tricky. But the more I practice there, the more comfortable I feel,” he said.
Burhan Bora and Ilyassak, two other local players who made the cut at the Indonesia PGA Championship, will also be competing in the Masters tournament, along with Benny Kasiadi, Sarmilih, veteran golfer Maan Nasim and 2010 PGPI Order of Merit champion Andik Maulidin.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand are among the top regional players taking part in the $750,000 tournament. Kiradeh won the SAIL Open in New Delhi last month, his first victory on the Asian Tour.
Considered one of the region’s best golfers, Thongchai has topped the Asian Tour Order of Merit three times.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar is looking to win his second Asian Tour event in Indonesia, after winning the Indonesia President Invitational in 2009.
But Rory Hie and his fellow Indonesian golfers are determined to grab a share of the spotlight.
The Indonesian Masters has created a buzz since Westwood confirmed he was competing at the Asian Tour event to be held at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club starting next Thursday.
Local players have generated much less hype than the visiting British golfer, but the Indonesian Professional Golfing Association (PGPI) said local talents remained the focus of the event.
“The PGPI will field 20 of the country’s top golfers at the Indonesian Masters, and I hope all of them will make the cut,” PGPI chairman Syafei Asnaf said on Wednesday.
“I hope there will be a local hero who will make it into the last round and contend for the championship.”
Rory became one such hero last month, when he came close to winning the Indonesia PGA Championship. The 22-year-old lost by one shot to Australian Andre Stolz. But Rory said he didn’t see the need to change his game.
“I will try to play in the Indonesian Masters with the same approach I took at the Indonesia PGA Championship,” he said.
Rory said his familiarity with the Royale Jakarta Golf Club should give him an edge.
“I find the greens to be quite tricky. But the more I practice there, the more comfortable I feel,” he said.
Burhan Bora and Ilyassak, two other local players who made the cut at the Indonesia PGA Championship, will also be competing in the Masters tournament, along with Benny Kasiadi, Sarmilih, veteran golfer Maan Nasim and 2010 PGPI Order of Merit champion Andik Maulidin.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand are among the top regional players taking part in the $750,000 tournament. Kiradeh won the SAIL Open in New Delhi last month, his first victory on the Asian Tour.
Considered one of the region’s best golfers, Thongchai has topped the Asian Tour Order of Merit three times.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar is looking to win his second Asian Tour event in Indonesia, after winning the Indonesia President Invitational in 2009.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Faldo Series Asia Announces Record Schedule For 2011
The Faldo Series Asia has released its largest ever schedule for 2011/2012. Sir Nick Faldo’s global golf development programme will stage 18 tournaments in 14 different countries across Asia and the Middle East, including new events in Brunei and Pakistan.
The new Faldo Series Asia season will tee off with the Faldo Series Philippines Championship on May 9-11. Inaugural tournaments will be held in Pakistan at Karachi Golf Club on July 29-31 and at Empire Hotel and Country Club in Brunei on November 23-24. A total of five events will take place in mainland China, with others in Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, India, Bahrain, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia.
“I am delighted that more Asian golfers than ever before will benefit from the Faldo Series this season and we look forward to welcoming new competitors from Pakistan and Brunei,” said Faldo. “I thank all our partners and hosts for their support. I am also grateful to our major partners, ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A for their contribution to golf development.”
“ISPS is pleased to be supporting Sir Nick’s Faldo Series Asia, especially as these young golfers will become role models for the game in the future,” added Dr Haruhisa Handa, Chairman of the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS) which aims to raise awareness of blind and disabled golf. “At the same time this is a good opportunity to showcase some of the other worthy causes which ISPS is supporting.”
Over 1,500 golfers aged 12 to 21 are set to take part in the 2011/2012 season while countless other younger children will be introduced to the game through grass-roots activities at the venues. Five age-group winners from each event, three boys and two girls, will qualify for the sixth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, to be hosted by the six-time Major winner in March 2012 at Mission Hills Golf Club in China.
The Faldo Series was brought to Asia in 2006 following the success of the Faldo Series Europe, established in 1996. 35 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 25 countries worldwide with over 5,000 golfers participating each year. Former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all winners on Tour.
The Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, official golf wear partner UFL and official suppliers TaylorMade and Tricor. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.
The new Faldo Series Asia season will tee off with the Faldo Series Philippines Championship on May 9-11. Inaugural tournaments will be held in Pakistan at Karachi Golf Club on July 29-31 and at Empire Hotel and Country Club in Brunei on November 23-24. A total of five events will take place in mainland China, with others in Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, India, Bahrain, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia.
“I am delighted that more Asian golfers than ever before will benefit from the Faldo Series this season and we look forward to welcoming new competitors from Pakistan and Brunei,” said Faldo. “I thank all our partners and hosts for their support. I am also grateful to our major partners, ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A for their contribution to golf development.”
“ISPS is pleased to be supporting Sir Nick’s Faldo Series Asia, especially as these young golfers will become role models for the game in the future,” added Dr Haruhisa Handa, Chairman of the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS) which aims to raise awareness of blind and disabled golf. “At the same time this is a good opportunity to showcase some of the other worthy causes which ISPS is supporting.”
Over 1,500 golfers aged 12 to 21 are set to take part in the 2011/2012 season while countless other younger children will be introduced to the game through grass-roots activities at the venues. Five age-group winners from each event, three boys and two girls, will qualify for the sixth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, to be hosted by the six-time Major winner in March 2012 at Mission Hills Golf Club in China.
The Faldo Series was brought to Asia in 2006 following the success of the Faldo Series Europe, established in 1996. 35 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 25 countries worldwide with over 5,000 golfers participating each year. Former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all winners on Tour.
The Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, official golf wear partner UFL and official suppliers TaylorMade and Tricor. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation (APGC).
For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com or follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Jakarta Highland Gathering 8th Charity Golf Tournament
Sign up your team of four players to play in one of Jakarta's most exciting golf events and help support the worthy cause of the Highland Gathering.
In association with JAKARTA HIGHLAND GATHERING, Sunday 29th May 2011 (10.00-18.00) Imperial Golf Club, Lippo Village, Karawaci.
For more information contact Gerald A. Sanders, tel 0857 110 73096, email tgpgas@aol.com or visit www.jkthighlandgathering.org.
| When | : | Wednesday 25 May 2011 |
| Where | : | Imperial Klub Golf, Lippo Village, Karawaci |
| Programme | : | Registration starts from 11.00am Shotgun Start at 12.00 noon |
| Format | : | 4 Man Team Texas Scramble |
| Price | : | Rp 600,000 / person Rp 2,400,000 / team of 4 |
| (Including light lunch, drinks on course, dinner awards & giveaway prizes) |
In association with JAKARTA HIGHLAND GATHERING, Sunday 29th May 2011 (10.00-18.00) Imperial Golf Club, Lippo Village, Karawaci.
For more information contact Gerald A. Sanders, tel 0857 110 73096, email tgpgas@aol.com or visit www.jkthighlandgathering.org.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Indonesia: A World Class Golf Destination In Waiting
The Jakarta Post, 9 April 2011 - Indonesia truly is a world class golf destination in waiting. In the past 20 years, I have seen golf in Indonesia grown from a mere 60 courses to more than 130 today.
In the early 1990s, a wide variety of courses were planned and built and it seemed that, as far as building golf courses was concerned, in Indonesia the sky was the limit.
Today, in and around Jakarta alone some 38 golf courses can be played and the majority of those courses are of absolute world class quality. Further to that, Surabaya and Bali are legitimate golf destinations and there too we can find courses of world class quality.
Memberships in those early days were pretty expensive, ranging from US$50,000 to over $100,000 for the more prestigious and exclusive golf and country clubs. Here too, the sky seemed to be the limit and many golfers often bought and/or owned more than one membership.
Due to a lack of sustainable growth in membership takers, over the years most golf courses rapidly had to surrender their “strictly membership” policy and gradually non-members were allowed to buy so called weekday “green fees” enabling golf course owners to cash in on their initial investment.
Today, memberships are “out of fashion”. “Member’s Guests” are now even allowed to play the strictly membership courses during weekends hence golfers, today, clearly are opting for paying of a “walk-in” green fee rather than buying a membership.
This change of heart surely played in the hands of the domestic (golf) travel industry. One after the other, travel business owners that were golfers themselves saw a hole in the market and branched out and added “golf travel” to their range of services. They started to cater to a clientele that predominantly came from Indonesia’s neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. The majority of these golfers were business men who frequently came over to Indonesia for business reasons.
Soon, it appeared that the Malaysians and Singaporeans in particular, found their own way to the courses as they often were assisted in booking of tee-off times by their local business contacts and/or “golf buddies”. Moreover, their local contacts and buddies were also able to get them cheap deals at local hotels while transportation was provided by their Indonesian golf kakis causing inbound golf travel business from the immediate region to grow.
Early on, in 1998, I saw a market for “inbound” golf travel. But, to convince foreign golfers to come and play golf in Indonesia, obviously I first needed to promote Indonesia as a valid golf destination. In 1999 I got a team together and we started www.indogolf.com, a website that aims at giving foreign golfers comprehensive information on Indonesia golf.
Indonesia is home to a wide variety of fabulous courses and facilities that are run by very capable and professional people. Over the past decade they have created a golf product of which we can be truly proud. The majority of our golf facilities are equally good, if not better than in some of our neighboring countries, including Thailand and China. Our caddies are in a class of their own. They’re pretty, friendly, but most of all very knowledgeable and fun to be with. They are proficient in English.
The Jagorawi Toll road gives easy access to 17 fabulous courses. In actual fact, it is our own “Mission Hills” (China) that holds the world record with 12 courses in one and the same area.
Weekday golf in Indonesia is rather inexpensive while golf in this country perfectly can be combined with Indonesia’s incredible world of art and culture. The perfect blend, I would say and truly unbeatable.
Promoting Indonesia golf, therefore, is a no-brainer. However, when we compare Indonesia Golf Tourism promotion with golf tourism promotion in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China, then we have to come to a sad conclusion; Indonesia is lagging way behind.
Thailand, annually, attracts more than 200,000 foreign golfers, raking in a staggering $500 million in the process. If you know that the global golf travel business is worth an estimated $15 billion, then you realize the significance of Thailand’s inbound golf travel business as a true money spinner for the country.
In golf, China is a relative newcomer. Yet, annually it already attracts close to 100,000 foreign golfers who spend an average of 7 days in the country and about $200 to $250 a day. To put things in perspective; Indonesia, attracts not even 10,000 golfers annually and the sole reason for this is simply poor promotion and more than often, the total lack of it.
In the field of promotion, in the past decade Thailand and China have done extremely well.
Lately, even emerging golf destinations such as Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are coming up strong with professional and sustainable global promotion campaigns.
They all have employed professional marketing companies to promote their golf product to the world, unlike in Indonesia.
Again, promoting Indonesia Golf is a no-brainer and now is the time that Indonesia’s golf industry comes together with the Ministry of Tourism and the local tourism boards of Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali to create a sustainable golf tourism strategy that will secure Indonesia’s position as one of Asia’s most attractive golf destinations.
Inbound golf tourism could act as a spring board in the revival of our ailing (general) tourism industry, something that is direly needed. If we fail to that, then Indonesia simply will forever remain “a world class golf destination in waiting.”
In the early 1990s, a wide variety of courses were planned and built and it seemed that, as far as building golf courses was concerned, in Indonesia the sky was the limit.
Today, in and around Jakarta alone some 38 golf courses can be played and the majority of those courses are of absolute world class quality. Further to that, Surabaya and Bali are legitimate golf destinations and there too we can find courses of world class quality.
Memberships in those early days were pretty expensive, ranging from US$50,000 to over $100,000 for the more prestigious and exclusive golf and country clubs. Here too, the sky seemed to be the limit and many golfers often bought and/or owned more than one membership.
Due to a lack of sustainable growth in membership takers, over the years most golf courses rapidly had to surrender their “strictly membership” policy and gradually non-members were allowed to buy so called weekday “green fees” enabling golf course owners to cash in on their initial investment.
Today, memberships are “out of fashion”. “Member’s Guests” are now even allowed to play the strictly membership courses during weekends hence golfers, today, clearly are opting for paying of a “walk-in” green fee rather than buying a membership.
This change of heart surely played in the hands of the domestic (golf) travel industry. One after the other, travel business owners that were golfers themselves saw a hole in the market and branched out and added “golf travel” to their range of services. They started to cater to a clientele that predominantly came from Indonesia’s neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. The majority of these golfers were business men who frequently came over to Indonesia for business reasons.
Soon, it appeared that the Malaysians and Singaporeans in particular, found their own way to the courses as they often were assisted in booking of tee-off times by their local business contacts and/or “golf buddies”. Moreover, their local contacts and buddies were also able to get them cheap deals at local hotels while transportation was provided by their Indonesian golf kakis causing inbound golf travel business from the immediate region to grow.
Early on, in 1998, I saw a market for “inbound” golf travel. But, to convince foreign golfers to come and play golf in Indonesia, obviously I first needed to promote Indonesia as a valid golf destination. In 1999 I got a team together and we started www.indogolf.com, a website that aims at giving foreign golfers comprehensive information on Indonesia golf.
Indonesia is home to a wide variety of fabulous courses and facilities that are run by very capable and professional people. Over the past decade they have created a golf product of which we can be truly proud. The majority of our golf facilities are equally good, if not better than in some of our neighboring countries, including Thailand and China. Our caddies are in a class of their own. They’re pretty, friendly, but most of all very knowledgeable and fun to be with. They are proficient in English.
The Jagorawi Toll road gives easy access to 17 fabulous courses. In actual fact, it is our own “Mission Hills” (China) that holds the world record with 12 courses in one and the same area.
Weekday golf in Indonesia is rather inexpensive while golf in this country perfectly can be combined with Indonesia’s incredible world of art and culture. The perfect blend, I would say and truly unbeatable.
Promoting Indonesia golf, therefore, is a no-brainer. However, when we compare Indonesia Golf Tourism promotion with golf tourism promotion in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China, then we have to come to a sad conclusion; Indonesia is lagging way behind.
Thailand, annually, attracts more than 200,000 foreign golfers, raking in a staggering $500 million in the process. If you know that the global golf travel business is worth an estimated $15 billion, then you realize the significance of Thailand’s inbound golf travel business as a true money spinner for the country.
In golf, China is a relative newcomer. Yet, annually it already attracts close to 100,000 foreign golfers who spend an average of 7 days in the country and about $200 to $250 a day. To put things in perspective; Indonesia, attracts not even 10,000 golfers annually and the sole reason for this is simply poor promotion and more than often, the total lack of it.
In the field of promotion, in the past decade Thailand and China have done extremely well.
Lately, even emerging golf destinations such as Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are coming up strong with professional and sustainable global promotion campaigns.
They all have employed professional marketing companies to promote their golf product to the world, unlike in Indonesia.
Again, promoting Indonesia Golf is a no-brainer and now is the time that Indonesia’s golf industry comes together with the Ministry of Tourism and the local tourism boards of Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali to create a sustainable golf tourism strategy that will secure Indonesia’s position as one of Asia’s most attractive golf destinations.
Inbound golf tourism could act as a spring board in the revival of our ailing (general) tourism industry, something that is direly needed. If we fail to that, then Indonesia simply will forever remain “a world class golf destination in waiting.”
Friday, April 8, 2011
Asian Tour Heavyweights Set Sights On Indonesian Masters
Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who won the SAIL Open in India for his first Asian Tour victory last month, will join illustrious countryman Thongchai Jaidee, a three-time Order of Merit champion, in the US$750,000 event from April 21 to 24.
The Indonesian Masters will be headlined by world number two Lee Westwood but the region’s top stars will be looking to outshine the Englishman, who has a terrific winning record in Asia.
Filipino star Angelo Que, Peter Karmis of South Africa, India’s Jyoti Randhawa, a former Asian Tour number one and Siddikur of Bangladesh are amongst those who are tipped to contend in the Asian Tour’s newest tournament in Indonesia.
Among the other top names who will be gunning for glory include Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-tang, a five-time winner, talented Australian Darren Beck and Singaporean veteran Mardan Mamat.
The in-form Kiradech will be determined to extend his rich vein of form after winning his maiden title. The big-hitting Thai, dubbed Asia’s John Daly because of his grip it-and-rip it attacking style of play, will bring with him a wealth of confidence in his first Asian Tour event in Indonesia.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2009, he has been highly regarded as one of the most promising players to emerge from Thailand and he believes his recent career breakthrough will lead him to more success.
“The Asian Tour has done a lot for me and I’m going to play as much as I can on Tour. Hopefully this win will give me more confidence to bring my game to the next level,” said the 21-year-old.
Kiradech is a big fan of Westwood and said he would relish the opportunity to tee up against him. “I admire Lee’s fighting spirit. He struggled before and fought back to become the world number one. He is a really good player with strong will power,” said Kiradech.
The effervescent Que will arrive in Indonesia with some good form behind him after finishing equal ninth at the Avantha Masters in India in February. He won his third career title in Malaysia last year but ran out of steam with self-inflicted pressure.
“I was pushing myself after my win last year. Now I’m just thinking about playing the best that I can and to not put too much pressure on myself,” said Que.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, 22, will have fond memories when he returns to Indonesia as he won his maiden Asian Tour title here two years ago. He subsequently went on to lift a second title last season and got off to a fantastic start in 2011 when he won four titles on the Indian circuit earlier this year.
“I’m enjoying a good run of form and if I continue to play this way, I believe I’ll stand a good chance of winning another title,” said Bhullar.
The Indonesian Masters is earmarked to become the country’s foremost golf championship, with plans to raise its prize fund and attract other international stars to Indonesia in the coming years.
Sponsors of the Indonesian Masters include Four Seasons Hotel, Royale Jakarta Golf Club, PNTS, Garuda Indonesia and Mercedes-Benz. The event is also supporting Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organisation with the goal to build homes for the underprivileged in Indonesia.
Nirwana Bali Golf Members & Guests Golf Tournament
Sunday, April 24th 2011
Members & Guests Golf Tournament at Nirwana Bali Golf Club.
Shotgun start at 13.00hrs.
TOURNAMENT SYSTEM
The tournament will be in Stroke Play competition format with USGA Handicap System for members and 36 Handicap System for non-members.
TOURNAMENT FEE
\IDR 1,000,000 net for domestic and KITAS holder
US$175 net for visitor or non-KITAS holder.
Fee includes Snack, Prizes and Dinner.
Theme Dinner: Easter.
JAPAN FUND RAISER
Fun Games and Raffle Tickets, all proceeds will be donated to aid relief for Japan.
HOLE IN ONE
Hole in one prizes are 1 unit Mazda2 1.5SL SM/T
Return air ticket DPS-SIN-DPS sponsored by Garuda Indonesia
For more information please contact:
Nirwana Bali Golf Club, tel +62 361 815900 fax +62 361 812151 golfreservation@panpacific.com
Members & Guests Golf Tournament at Nirwana Bali Golf Club.
Shotgun start at 13.00hrs.
TOURNAMENT SYSTEM
The tournament will be in Stroke Play competition format with USGA Handicap System for members and 36 Handicap System for non-members.
TOURNAMENT FEE
\IDR 1,000,000 net for domestic and KITAS holder
US$175 net for visitor or non-KITAS holder.
Fee includes Snack, Prizes and Dinner.
Theme Dinner: Easter.
JAPAN FUND RAISER
Fun Games and Raffle Tickets, all proceeds will be donated to aid relief for Japan.
HOLE IN ONE
Hole in one prizes are 1 unit Mazda2 1.5SL SM/T
Return air ticket DPS-SIN-DPS sponsored by Garuda Indonesia
For more information please contact:
Nirwana Bali Golf Club, tel +62 361 815900 fax +62 361 812151 golfreservation@panpacific.com
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Yang Aims For Repeat Victory At Volvo China Open
Chengdu, 7 April 2011 - The 2011 Volvo China Open received a major boost this week with the news that Korean star Y.E. Yang will defend the title he won last year and try to make history by becoming the first player ever to successfully defend his title.
Having won the Volvo China Open at Jinji lake International Golf Club in Suzhou after a 24-hour intercontinental dash from the Masters at Augusta last year, Yang will enjoy a more relaxed journey to China with a week of rest in between from the first Major championship of the season.
Yang won by two shots over Welsh pair, the youngster Rhys Davies and 2004 Volvo China Open champion Stephen Dodd in a star-studded top 10 that also included Swedes Johan Edfors and Henrik Stenson, Thai star Thongchai Jaidee and Graeme McDowell, who was to go on to win three times in 2010, including his first Major title, the US Open Championship at Pebble Beach.
Said Yang immediately following his triumph last year, “It was quite important for me to win," adding, “I know that this win won't abolish all those doubts, but I think it will alleviate me of some of the pressure and unseen pressure those doubters have been throwing at me."
But the pressure of defending the title he won 12-months-ago is on.
“It is always important that a player defends any title he wins, out of respect for the championship and its sponsors, so I am pleased to be returning to China where I have already won twice.”
“I know the Volvo China Open title has never been successfully defended, but there is a first time for everything,” he said with tongue-in-cheek. "At least I can take my time going to China following the Masters, unlike last year where it was touch-and-go whether I would make it on time.”
Yang is best known for being Asia's first Major winner. He has won two OneAsia titles thus far, including last year's 53rd Kolon Korea Open which saw him taking a surprise two-stroke victory over young compatriot Noh Seung-yul at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan.
"That tournament was defined by patience, perseverance and a lot of luck. It gave me back a lot of confidence after months of struggling with my timing," he had said.
“To have come back from the brink of worrying about missing the cut and win was just great.”
Yang will also return to defend his title at the Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca CortesÃn from 19th – 22nd May.
The Volvo China Open, co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the European Tour, will take place over the JMP-designed 7,335-yard layout at Luxehills International Country Club in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The event this year offers a record prize fund of RMB20 million (approx US$3 million), with the Champion receiving a cheque for RMB3.3 million (approx US$500,000).
All events will be showcased on OneAsia's television platform with live coverage for four hours a day across all four tournament days, and broadcast to over 400 million homes in more than 40 countries.
For more information please visit www.volvochinaopen.com or contact media@oneasia.asia.
Having won the Volvo China Open at Jinji lake International Golf Club in Suzhou after a 24-hour intercontinental dash from the Masters at Augusta last year, Yang will enjoy a more relaxed journey to China with a week of rest in between from the first Major championship of the season.
Yang won by two shots over Welsh pair, the youngster Rhys Davies and 2004 Volvo China Open champion Stephen Dodd in a star-studded top 10 that also included Swedes Johan Edfors and Henrik Stenson, Thai star Thongchai Jaidee and Graeme McDowell, who was to go on to win three times in 2010, including his first Major title, the US Open Championship at Pebble Beach.
Said Yang immediately following his triumph last year, “It was quite important for me to win," adding, “I know that this win won't abolish all those doubts, but I think it will alleviate me of some of the pressure and unseen pressure those doubters have been throwing at me."
But the pressure of defending the title he won 12-months-ago is on.
“It is always important that a player defends any title he wins, out of respect for the championship and its sponsors, so I am pleased to be returning to China where I have already won twice.”
“I know the Volvo China Open title has never been successfully defended, but there is a first time for everything,” he said with tongue-in-cheek. "At least I can take my time going to China following the Masters, unlike last year where it was touch-and-go whether I would make it on time.”
Yang is best known for being Asia's first Major winner. He has won two OneAsia titles thus far, including last year's 53rd Kolon Korea Open which saw him taking a surprise two-stroke victory over young compatriot Noh Seung-yul at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan.
"That tournament was defined by patience, perseverance and a lot of luck. It gave me back a lot of confidence after months of struggling with my timing," he had said.
“To have come back from the brink of worrying about missing the cut and win was just great.”
Yang will also return to defend his title at the Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca CortesÃn from 19th – 22nd May.
The Volvo China Open, co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the European Tour, will take place over the JMP-designed 7,335-yard layout at Luxehills International Country Club in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The event this year offers a record prize fund of RMB20 million (approx US$3 million), with the Champion receiving a cheque for RMB3.3 million (approx US$500,000).
All events will be showcased on OneAsia's television platform with live coverage for four hours a day across all four tournament days, and broadcast to over 400 million homes in more than 40 countries.
For more information please visit www.volvochinaopen.com or contact media@oneasia.asia.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Rotary Club Charity Golf Tournament
Join the fun day and contribute to people in need.
For registration please contact Golf Events Indonesia
Tel (021) 5793 6315 Fax (021) 5793 6316
Isma Wootten - 0816 190 7794 - ismawootten@golfeventsindonesia.com
Awi - 0818 886 759 - awi@golfeventsindonesia.com
| Day/date | : Wednesday, 27th April 2011 |
| Place | : Cengkareng Golf Club |
| Format | : 4 Man Texas Scramble |
| Player Entry | : Rp 1,500,000 (individual entry : Rp 5,000,000 (team entry of 4 players) |
| Registration | : 11.00AM |
| Shotgun | 12.30 Noon |
Tel (021) 5793 6315 Fax (021) 5793 6316
Isma Wootten - 0816 190 7794 - ismawootten@golfeventsindonesia.com
Awi - 0818 886 759 - awi@golfeventsindonesia.com
Get The Latest News On The Indonesian Masters
To keep updated on the latest news check:
website: www.indonesianmasters.com
facebook: Indo Masters / Indonesian Masters (fan page)
twitter: @indomasterstour
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Golf Lovers Gather In Solidarity For Japan
Jakarta, 4 April 2011 (The Jakarta Post) - Golf lovers in Jakarta hosted a fund raising event as part of efforts to show solidarity for Japan after the country was rocked by a 8.9 magnitude earthquake and a massive tsunami last month.
The Sunday gathering was organized by the Jakarta Golf Club (JGC), said to be the oldest golf association in Indonesia and the second oldest in the Asian region, at Rawamangun golf course in East Jakarta.
“All donations [raised from the gathering] would be provided to families of victims in Japan through the Japan Ambassador to Indonesia,” JGC’s chairman Hariono Kartohadiprodjo said in a statement.
“We want to pay back what the Japanese, be they individuals or institutions, had done when they quickly gave aid to Indonesia during the tsunami in Aceh,” Harjono said.
The charity event expected to collect around Rp 300 million (US$34,000) for quake victims.
The golf enthusiasts, including from the Jakarta Ambassador Golf Club — a group of foreign ambassadors in Indonesia headed by the Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam — and members of the JGC Rawamangun also took part in the “Golf Gathering Solidarity for Japan.”
The JGC, founded in 1872, is the oldest golf club in Jakarta and has around 3,000 members.
Tee time for the event was set at 7 a.m. following a breakfast. The ceremony for raising donations was held during the lunch break.
Golf lovers in Indonesia also expressed sympathy for victims of radioactivity caused by damage to nuclear facilities in Japan following the strong earthquake. The Fukusima Dai-ichi nuclear complex has been spewing radioactivity since March 11, the Associated Press reported from Japan.
More than 165,000 people are living in shelters in Japan, while 260,000 households still do not have running water and 170,000 do not have electricity. Thousands of families are also still awaiting news of their loved ones. More than 15,500 people are still missing after the disaster, which officials fear may have killed some 25,000 people.
The Sunday gathering was organized by the Jakarta Golf Club (JGC), said to be the oldest golf association in Indonesia and the second oldest in the Asian region, at Rawamangun golf course in East Jakarta.
“All donations [raised from the gathering] would be provided to families of victims in Japan through the Japan Ambassador to Indonesia,” JGC’s chairman Hariono Kartohadiprodjo said in a statement.
“We want to pay back what the Japanese, be they individuals or institutions, had done when they quickly gave aid to Indonesia during the tsunami in Aceh,” Harjono said.
The charity event expected to collect around Rp 300 million (US$34,000) for quake victims.
The golf enthusiasts, including from the Jakarta Ambassador Golf Club — a group of foreign ambassadors in Indonesia headed by the Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam — and members of the JGC Rawamangun also took part in the “Golf Gathering Solidarity for Japan.”
The JGC, founded in 1872, is the oldest golf club in Jakarta and has around 3,000 members.
Tee time for the event was set at 7 a.m. following a breakfast. The ceremony for raising donations was held during the lunch break.
Golf lovers in Indonesia also expressed sympathy for victims of radioactivity caused by damage to nuclear facilities in Japan following the strong earthquake. The Fukusima Dai-ichi nuclear complex has been spewing radioactivity since March 11, the Associated Press reported from Japan.
More than 165,000 people are living in shelters in Japan, while 260,000 households still do not have running water and 170,000 do not have electricity. Thousands of families are also still awaiting news of their loved ones. More than 15,500 people are still missing after the disaster, which officials fear may have killed some 25,000 people.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sitompul Ties For Sixth, Michigan Takes Fourth At LSU Invitational
BATON ROUGE, La., April 3 - Using a season-best sixth-place finish from senior Alexander Sitompul (Jakarta, Indonesia/Bradenton Prep Academy [Fla.]), the University of Michigan men's golf team closed fourth with an 898 total today (Sunday, April 3) at the LSU Invitational at the University Club. U-M closed with team tallies of 296, 291 and 311 during the two-day event.
Sitompul opened yesterday's (Saturday, April 2) play with a three-under 141 (70-71) to sit second individually, while freshman Joey Garber (Petoskey, Mich./Petoskey) posted a second-round two-under 70 to help U-M take the tournament lead with a 587 36-hole total. A 45-minute fog delay and wind gusts of 25 miles per hour hindered the Wolverines, who were unable to maintain their lead in today's final round as U-M closed with a 311.
Despite the conditions in the final round, Sitompul posted a 219. After his three-under 141 (70-71) first-day total, he closed with a 78 to post his first top-10 finish of the season. Garber found his way into the top 15 as the tied for 12th at 225 (78-70-77), while sophomore Jack Schultz (Whitefish Bay, Wis./Whitefish Bay HS) gave U-M three in the top 25 as he closed tied for 21st at 228 (74-76-79).
Sitompul opened yesterday's (Saturday, April 2) play with a three-under 141 (70-71) to sit second individually, while freshman Joey Garber (Petoskey, Mich./Petoskey) posted a second-round two-under 70 to help U-M take the tournament lead with a 587 36-hole total. A 45-minute fog delay and wind gusts of 25 miles per hour hindered the Wolverines, who were unable to maintain their lead in today's final round as U-M closed with a 311.
Despite the conditions in the final round, Sitompul posted a 219. After his three-under 141 (70-71) first-day total, he closed with a 78 to post his first top-10 finish of the season. Garber found his way into the top 15 as the tied for 12th at 225 (78-70-77), while sophomore Jack Schultz (Whitefish Bay, Wis./Whitefish Bay HS) gave U-M three in the top 25 as he closed tied for 21st at 228 (74-76-79).
Friday, April 1, 2011
Westwood Eyes Masters Degree
The world number two will be the firm favourite at the star-studded Asian Tour tournament from April 21 to 24, 2011 but he hopes to fly into Jakarta as the new Masters champion. The season’s first Major starts next week.
While the talented Westwood has won more than 30 international titles including being crowned Europe’s number one in 2000 and 2009, the 37-year-old is craving for a career first grand slam title.
“Yes, the main goals for me is to win a major and then hopefully more,” said Westwood, who finished second at the Masters and British Open last season and was tied third at the PGA Championship and British Open in 2009.
Westwood had an outstanding 2010 season when he won twice around the world and posted seven other top-fives but with victories previously in Malaysia, Japan and Macau, he is confident of challenging for the Indonesian Masters title when he heads to Asia.
“I am looking forward to it very much. I have been coming to play in Asia for many years now although I have only played in Indonesia once before,” he said. “I’ll be doing everything I can to win”.
“I think everything has improved (in Asia). The golf courses have improved, the standard of Asian players has improved and overall everything is better. Now there are Asian players contending against the rest of the world.”
Westwood dislodged Tiger Woods from the top spot on the Official World Golf Rankings at the end of 2010 before being overtaken by Germany’s Martin Kaymer last month. He believes an Asian player would occupy the lofty position in the near future.
“I think Asia has a very a good chance. I mean you have the likes of Noh Seung-yul (the reigning Asian Tour number one) and Ryo Ishikawa and other young players.
The Asian players have a lot of chance and the people in Asia will be watching these young people and if they don’t get to be world number one, then hopefully some of these young kids watching these players will do so one day,” he said.
“I am sure I will face tough competition (at the Indonesian Masters). I mean the Indonesian players and the Asian Tour players are not going to be easy to play against. It’s not easy to come and play in different places so I have to be in top form.”
Westwood first visited Indonesia in 2007 for the Indonesia President Invitational where he finished equal third and hopes to soak in more of the country this time around.
The English star is also hoping his presence in Indonesia will stir up local interest in the game and provide an added boost for the Asian Tour, the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, to grow the game.
Apart from Westwood, Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, the first man to win three Asian Tour Order of Merit titles, Chapchai Nirat, who holds the world scoring record for 72 holes, and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar will star in the Indonesian Masters.
“While it would ordinarily be a strong field, I hope I can add something to the tournament and help promote golf in the country,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to it. I can’t wait.”
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